Despite 27 points ahead of Ogier, Neuville is not getting excited: “There are four rounds left”

Will 2024 be the year of consecration for Thierry Neuville ? 5 times vice-world champion, the Belgian has never appeared so close to his first world crown. Although he only has one victory to his credit, during the Monte-Carlo at the opening of the season, the driver Hyundai manages despite everything to remain sheltered, in particular from a Sébastien Ogier already three times winner during this campaign.

Never helped by his position as opener due to the fact that he leads the championship, the former Citroën driver tries above all to limit the damage. A strategy which bears fruit weekend after weekend since Thierry Neuville does not see his rivals getting closer. On the contrary ! In Finland, if Sébastien Ogier won for the third time and somewhat reduced the margin, the native of Saint-Vith has not had such a lead since Portugal last May when he relegated Elfyn Evans to 24 lengths. Now he has 27 on the eight-time world rally champion. Enough to tackle the rest more calmly?

« Let's say we fought for the title until the very last round in 2018 and it was even just as close in other years, delay-he. Of course, it's not too bad to have a 27-point lead, but there are still four rounds to go.

The weekend in Finland was a roller coaster of emotions for everyone, a bit like the special stages with lots of twists and turns. For our part, things weren't going very well, then it got better, then a little worse. It was changing all the time before we were really surprised by what happened to Elfyn and Kalle. So far, we have obtained good results and we were able to take a lot of points on Sunday, even on the difficult events. We have done well so far and we can be satisfied with that."

It also remains to be seen whether Sébastien Ogier will ultimately compete in all the remaining rounds to try to deprive Thierry Neuville of a first coronation. The Belgian is in any case moving forward quietly without really thinking about the championship as the final stages draw closer.

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